A sudden gust of wind whipped between the mountains, lashed the water into waves, and caught Briana O'Toole's reddish blonde hair. With one quick motion Bree swept it out of her eyes and turned to face her new life.

Just then a swell of waves lifted the end of the Viking ship as it rested on the shore. Moments before, this ship that brought Bree from Ireland had sailed through a long, narrow waterway to this settlement in the mountains. Now sunlight shone on a waterfall spilling over a high rock wall.

Then the sun shone on the blonde hair of a tall woman standing beside the water. Seeming to forget everything else, Bree's enemy, Mikkel, leaned forward.

The moment the Viking ship touched shore, he leaped over the side. By the time he touched the ground, the tall woman stood before him.

Mikkel straightened to his full height and tipped his head in respect. "Mamma," he said.

"Son," she answered. A tear slid down her cheek. "You were gone so long. I was afraid."

"I know. But I am here." Relief filled Mikkel's voice. "I am home."

A flash of envy, then anger, filled Bree's insides. Home! she wanted to spit out. Mikkel is home, but I am not! On a summer morning late in the tenth century, Mikkel had planned the raid that brought Bree and others from Ireland to the Aurland Fjord. Sometimes Bree wished Mikkel could be a friend. Other times she felt angry about everything he did.

As Viking sailors set down the ramp, Bree looked into the crowd gathered to meet the ship. There she saw a girl with sandy colored hair, brown eyes, and a dusting of freckles across her nose.

Who is she? Bree wondered. Why do I think she's someone I know?

The girl looked too thin, as if she had been sick. Yet she had to be at least eleven, perhaps twelve. As people streamed off the ship, Bree lost sight of her. Then far up on shore, Bree saw her again.

A long single braid hung down on the girl's shoulder. When she tossed it aside, her eyes lit with laughter. Bree knew that motion, that look of poking fun at something serious. Could it possibly be?

Across the distance their gaze met. The girl's mouth formed a round O, a gasp of recognition. The surprise of it shook Bree to the center of her being. It's my sister Keely!

One year younger than Bree, the two had been close friends as well as sisters. Then six years ago Vikings raided the monastery near their home in Ireland and stole Keely away. In a similar way, a more recent raid had brought Bree on a Viking longship to this fjord.

Filled with excitement, Bree pushed her way toward the side of the ship. Maybe there's a reason I was captured by Vikings. Maybe something good will come out of it.

In that instant of hope Bree could see herself bringing Keely home to their family. She could imagine Daddy and Mam and each of her brothers and sisters hugging and kissing Keely. Tears would come to their eyes and stream down their cheeks.

Keely! Yes, it has to be her!

But the girl turned away. A tall Viking stepped in front of Bree, blocking her view. Filled with panic, Bree tried to get around him. By the time she reached the side of the ship, the girl was gone.

Bree felt sick with disappointment. It was Keely, she thought. I know it was Keely! But if it was, why did she turn away? Why did she act as if she doesn't know me?

I'll find her, Bree promised herself. And somehow we'll escape together!

In the next instant, Mikkel turned away from his mother to face the Irish captives.

"Stop!" he called out. When two Irishmen pretended they did not understand, Mikkel held up both hands. "Wait!"

Instantly other Viking sailors formed a line across the shore. No Irish prisone would pass through that line until the men told that person where to go.

In despair Bree looked around. Here, where the ship had landed, rock walls gave way to a valley. Green fields lined the river flowing through that valley. Close to the river was a line of houses. But nowhere could Bree see the girl she believed to be Keely.

Now, like it or not, Bree needed to begin her new life. But first she wanted to say good-bye to the Irish friends she had made on board ship.
Standing to one side, Bree looked for them. When Lil came near, Bree caught her new friend in a hug. "Courage to win," Bree whispered.